Colt National match in .38 spl

[wile326]

I have a colt national match top end in .38 spl mid range wad cutter configuration with 2 mags, all genuine colt.I even have the original ejector from the frame. I got this several years ago from a guy I worked with who used the lower end as the basis for a custom gun, why I have no idea. All the parts are in really good shape. I was going to build up a frame for it but never got around to it. It has been in my safe for years and now I am thinking of selling it. Any ideas as to its value?

thanks

[Mikey]

I have one of those top ends, but mine is a Colt 38 Super top end that was modified for the 38 wadcutter.  Years ago I turned it back into a 38 Super with a Bar-Sto barrel but had difficulty finding a frame to use since the 38 slide had been peened so many times by the Army Marksmanship Unit that it couldn't be fit to a frame without serious modification or re-work. 

Is yours a 38 Super top end???  I have no idea what they would be worth but if it is in good condition you could probably ask $3-400 for the setup.  Complete Colt top ends at gun shows sell for that price locally.  Good luck.  Mikey.

[44 Man]

I don't want to pitch any other forum, but if you go to 'http://forum.m1911.org' then check under 'colt' and ask those people, I'm sure you would get some knowledgeable answers.  There are some folks on there that eat, sleep, and breathe Colt 1911's.  44 Man

[wile326]

It is an original .38 wad cutter set up produced by Colt. Thanks to a few people on another forum this is what I have been able to find out so far.

"production began in 1960 with s.n. 100NMR and went through 1966 with s.n. 5400NMR. Then from 1967 through 1969, they built some (the book I used for reference actually has "few" in the annual production slots). Then from 1970 to 1971, the s.n.'s run from 5950NMR to 7000NMR. Supposedly, overall production of the .38Special National Match was around 8,000 guns."

When I bought the top end I thought it would be interesting to have a 1911 in .38 special I did not know they where "rare" or limited production. I wish I was able to have gotten the whole pistol from the guy.

[rbwillnj]

They are pretty rare, and in good condition, worth some money, though not tons of money.   The original magazines are worth about $100 each, and are still sought after.  A 1911 in 38 Special is a really fun gun to shoot.  I have a Clark (built from a 38 Super) and I love it.  Clark still builts 38 Special 1911s, but their price recently jumped to $2900.  I'm guessing they won't be selling too many at that price.

The Colt is a little different than the Clark in that it is a blow back design.  They had some problems with early models and recalled them.  They put some machining in the chamber.   If the work was done to yours, you should be able to see some shallow ridges in the chamber.   When a gun with the recall work is fired, there is an unmistakeable pattern that is imprinted on the brass.

What's even more rare than the Colt 38 Special is a Colt 1911 in 38 AMU.